In the map of the AI industry in Spain, Alicante’s Torre Juana stands out as a hub where innovation flourishes. This space is supported by Andrés Pedreño, former rector of the University of Alicante, and has become a focal point for forward thinking in artificial intelligence. The people steering this effort have decided to translate their past successes into a broader strategy. The report below reviews the leading companies, ongoing initiatives, and collaborations connected to this technology, while also outlining how the candidate state capital could play a role in hosting a future national artificial intelligence oversight agency as the government contemplates the selection process.
The document begins by profiling five in-house headquartered companies that are driving the local AI ecosystem. It highlights New Man Brain, a scientific and technological effort aimed at developing software and hardware instrumentation for biomedical applications, with a strong emphasis on neuroscience. Lucentia Laboratory is noted for its data work and an AI-based platform tailored to analysis and interpretation. MillionBots has emerged as a benchmark for creating intelligent virtual assistants. Meta Software Factory focuses on building AI-powered speech avatars and metaverse environments. The Artificial Intelligence Observatory (ITIS SL) collects, curates, and shares updates on AI-related advances through publications and widespread distribution across networks.
Torre Juana and UA Science Park join forces to support projects
The dossier also spotlights two major projects born from its center of specialization. First, Intelligent Juana Tower – Intelligent Heritage Management, a collaboration with Santa María la Real, Lucentia, and Torre Juana to leverage data from the perception of architectural heritage in the area. Second, Farm 45, a joint initiative between Cookpad and the Sony Foundation, aims to regenerate and revitalize lands that are underused or degraded, turning them into productive spaces again.
The dossier also maps out the series of lectures, dissemination activities, and other public initiatives promoted from the innovation hub. It lists several publications produced by experts affiliated with Torre Juana, including collaborative works on the broader theme of artificial intelligence. One notable title, Europe vs. USA and China. Avoiding Decline in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, co-authored by Luis Moreno and Andrés Pedreño, has reached top positions on major booksellers and has inspired additional related publications. [Citation: Torre Juana research catalog and author collaborations]
Torre Juana joins forces with the University of Buenos Aires
The report also notes a substantial slate of collaborations, totaling 18 partnerships in the field. The Center continues to work with a diverse set of institutions and organizations, including the University of Buenos Aires and Ubatec, the Eco IA Group, and the Organization of the International Artificial Intelligence Congress in Alicante. Other collaborators span across the private and public sectors, such as People Communication Group, Zenid, Shenzhen University, Zeta Linmar, the Ellis-Alicante Foundation, and the Conexus Foundation. Cultural and educational institutions like the Cervantes Institute also participate, along with professional networks such as LLYC (Llorente and Cuenca) and the law firm Elzaburu. Foundations like FIDE and Metropolis are involved, alongside consulting firms like Peláez and a platform-based hub known as 1070 Km Hub. An AI institute led by Andrés Torrubia and the Global Cloud Group through the European Institute for Digital Transformation in Malaga round out the ecosystem. [Citation: Collaborative network dossier and partner list]